What’s That Sound? 3 EDM Elements You’ve Definitely Heard Before

When you press play on your favorite EDM song, you’re getting a sonic blast made of layers and layers of instruments, waves, FX, and more. But what exactly goes into those songs and evokes the emotions it does? Here are three techniques that are commonly used in EDM so you can really impress your rave fam the next time you’re nerding out about your favorite new track.

Risers

That excitement you feel before a drop or a chorus? That’s the riser hitting. Risers are a common transitional element of EDM and responsible for building tension and anticipation. 

Risers can take on many different forms to fit the genre of the track, but are typically melodic in nature. This basically means that it’s adding to the overall melody of the song and not inherently bass-driven. However, risers are often paired with an increase in tempo or filter intensity to really crank up that energy. One of the most iconic risers in EDM is in Martin Garrix’s “Animals.” That wooshing sound with the high-pitched tone that comes in around 0:45 and cuts off before the chorus is a classic example of a riser and the energy it gives to a song.

Growls

If you’re a dubstep or riddim fan, growls are your bread and butter. Growls add aggression, grit, and character in the form of modulated bass. This face-scrunching sound is typically found in the drop of your fave bass song.

The magic behind the growl is the way the bass is processed. Each artist has their own distinct style when it comes to transforming a simple waveform into their signature sound. Common techniques include LFO (low-frequency oscillator) modulation to give the sound that wobbly, pulsing effect, distortion to add grit, and phasing/flanging to add movement. Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” is a classic example of growls. They have that deep “robot monster yelling” feel to them that has inspired many of today’s bass artists.

Plucks

Plucks are everywhere in EDM and once you know what you’re hearing, you won’t be able to unhear it. Plucks are categorized as short, punchy notes that mimic the sound of mallet or string instruments. They set the tone for the melody, without being as heavy as the lead—the main melodic element of the song.

If you’re a fan of tropical house, future bass, or melodic bass, you’re no stranger to plucks. They often fill the role that a guitar or other instrument would have in a pop or acoustic song, or are used alongside recordings of these instruments. You can hear the plucks in the beginning of Kygo’s “Firestone,” adding a soft melody that leads into the vocals and chorus.

Once you start learning how to identify the many (and I mean many) elements of EDM songs, it’s hard to go back. And we’ve barely scratched the surface! Understanding the music you’re listening to opens up a new appreciation for the music you love and the hard work of the producers behind them. The next time you start up one of your favorite tracks, you’ll probably hear it in an entirely different way!